Can I apply for countries not listed in the application?
No. Although the list of participating countries changes from year to year, you may only apply for countries listed in the application for the year that you apply.
Can I apply for subjects/levels that I don't currently teach even if I'm certified to teach other subjects/levels?
No. Since an international teacher will be assuming your duties while you are on exchange, the placement of the international teacher in your school is based on the subject and level that you currently teach.
Do I have to speak a foreign language to participate in the program?
No. Many of the countries participating in the program do not require foreign language proficiency. See individual country listings for specific language requirements.
I'm a special education teacher. Can I apply to the program?
Yes. Full-time teachers of any subject are eligible to apply. See individual country listings for more detail. In the past we have placed special education teachers in the United Kingdom.
If I'm a guidance counselor, school psychologist, librarian, nurse, or media specialist am I eligible to apply?
No. Unfortunately, most participating countries do not have these positions in their schools in great numbers and being matched to go on program depends on applicants in your field applying from overseas.Since overseas schools do not have these special positions we are unable to consider you for the direct exchange program.
However, in some cases you may be eligible for special programs that are advertised separately on the OTHER OPPORTUNITIES page of our website. Please check the page periodically for updates about such program and/or join our email notification list to be automatically sent program announcements. You can join the list by emailing us at fulbright@grad.usda.gov.
Who pays me while I'm on exchange?
Your school district continues to pay your salary, and the international teacher's home school district continues to pay her/his salary for the duration of the exchange.
Where will I live while I'm on exchange?
Housing arrangements are the private responsibility of grantees. For direct exchanges, teachers are expected to locate suitable housing for their partner and vice-versa before going on exchange. Fulbright recommends the following options when making housing determinations: 1) finding housing on your own in the open market with suggestions from your exchange partner; 2) asking your exchange partner to locate local, in-country rental options that might meet your needs; 3) exchanging housing with your partner.
Although it is not a requirement for participation in the program, many teachers exchange housing with their partners. In western Europe (especially France and the United Kingdom), teachers often exchange housing. In some countries housing may be provided by the host institution. Please see individual country listings for more specific housing details by country.
Can I take my family on exchange with me?
Yes. Many exchange teachers take their families on exchange. See individual country listings for restrictions.
I can't go on exchange for a whole year. Are there other possibilities?
Yes. The Italy Classics Seminar and the Greece Classics Seminar are offered in the summer. India and the United Kingdom also offer exchanges of shorter duration. Jordan and Uruguay offer six-week hosting opportunities for schools/districts. See specific country listings and/or the Other Opportunities page of our website for more details.
Is there an age limit? Can I apply for an exchange after I retire?
While there is no age limit for participating in the program, you must have a full-time teaching position to apply.
Is there a cost to my school for participating in an exchange?
No. U.S. teachers participating in a direct exchange of teaching positions are granted a leave of absence with pay and benefits, and use their regular salaries to cover daily expenses while abroad. Foreign teachers are paid by their home schools, and replace their U.S. counterparts at no additional cost to the hosting school.
Can my administrator choose the international teacher who will take my place?
No, but they but they do have a chance to review the application of the proposed international teacher and accept or decline the exchange before final selection.
All applicants must submit an Administrative Approval form at the time of application. Those applicants applying for a direct exchange of teaching positions must submit the form approved "with salary."" The Administrative Approval form does not obligate the school or the district to accept a foreign teacher, only to approve the U.S. candidate's application to the program for a possible exchange. If an applicant is proposed for a direct exchange of teaching positions, Fulbright forwards the applicant's immediate supervisor and district official the application of the foreign teacher. The application includes: educational background, professional experience, letters of recommendation, teaching credentials, interview results and other supporting documentation. Once the administration receives that proposal packet, they should review it with the applicant.
If the applicant or the administration find the proposed exchange in any way unsatisfactory the applicant or the administration can decline the proposal and Fulbright will search for a more suitable match. Only after all parties have agreed that the exchange is acceptable would the final selection and exchange take place.
Are international teachers certified to teach in the U.S.?
Foreign teachers undergo a rigorous screening and interview process by Fulbright Commissions in their own countries before their applications are forwarded to the United States. We use the results of these interviews and other supporting documents to find a match for your school's particular needs. All foreign teachers must be fluent in English and be fully credentialed to teach in their own countries before they can apply to the program.
Since the Fulbright teacher will not technically be employed by your district and will remain employed and paid by his/her own international school, the majority of states waive the credential for the teacher. Other states give the teacher an emergency or temporary certification, or they have a specific exemption for exchange teachers.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Education recognizes that Fulbright teachers are not directly hired by the U.S. school and are therefore not subject to the qualification provisions delineated by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA).
What happens if the international teacher has problems while they are on exchange in the U.S.?
U.S. teachers selected for an exchange should set up a support network for the incoming international teacher before leaving the United States. To assist the incoming international teacher, schools must also designate an official mentor teacher, who will assist the international teacher on-site. In addition, the U.S. hosting school and foreign teacher are supported by the Fulbright Exchange Coordinator for the duration of the exchange. In the event that problems arise, the Exchange Coordinator is there to offer assistance.
I have questions about the online application process. Where can I find the answers?
Please see the Online Application Instructions and the Frequently Asked Questions about the Online Application for more information about the online process.
Can I do a one-way exchange?
One-way assignments are very rare and up to five per year may be available depending on funding and interest by a particular country. A U.S. applicant may not apply directly for a one-way assignment, however, if you answer "Yes" to Question E in the application, you will be considered for a one-way assignment should a suitable assignment become available.
